New Reporting Requirements For Striped Bass Anglers

[NCangler]

MOREHEAD CITY – Beginning Sept. 1, recreational fishermen from Ocracoke Inlet north to the Virginia state line will be required to report their catch of striped bass harvested from the Atlantic Ocean.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is taking this action to improve estimates of striped bass being caught by ocean anglers during warm weather months. The reporting requirements will be lifted Oct. 31. In following years, the reporting requirement will run from May through October.

Fishermen will need to complete a catch card for any striped bass harvested from the Atlantic Ocean during the restricted period. These cards are available from reporting stations at marinas, tackle shops and piers in Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties. Visit http://www.ncdmf.net/content/strbass...assreport1.htm to view participating locations. Once a catch card is completed, fishermen will be given a landing tag to attach through the mouth and gill cover of their striped bass.

For-hire vessels may apply for on-board catch cards, as well as landing tags. All striped bass caught on a for-hire vessel must have a landing tag attached to the fish before removing the fish from the vessel. In addition, the landing tag needs to be attached prior to removing the vessel from the water.

If fishing from a private vessel, the angler must complete a catch card and receive a landing tag, prior to removing the fish from the vessel. In addition, the landing tag needs to be attached prior to removing the vessel from the water.

If fishing from an ocean pier, anglers are to report the catch at the pier house to complete a catch card and receive a landing tag before leaving the pier.

Surf fishermen should go to the nearest reporting station to complete a catch card and receive a landing tag.

For after-hours reporting, anglers should call 800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021 with the following information:
· Date of landing
· Angler name
· For-Hire Permit number
· Phone number
· Vessel name
· Trip type (charter boat, private boat, or head boat)
· Total length and weight of each fish

The 28-inch minimum/2 fish per person per day recreational harvest limit remains in effect year-round.

For more information, or to obtain an on-board tagging kit, contact Doug Mumford at doug.mumford@ncmail.net or Joshua Murauskas at joshua.murauska@ncmail.net or by calling 800-338-7804 or 252-946-6481. Visit http://www.ncdmf.net/content/strbass...assreport1.htm for a list of reporting stations and additional program information.
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MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION SEEKS ADDITIONAL BAY SCALLOP ADVISORS

MOREHEAD CITY - The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is issuing a second request for individuals to serve as advisors in developing the Bay Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), especially persons who have fished for scallops in the Core Sound area.

The advisory committee will be composed of representatives from the commercial, recreational, and scientific communities to assist in developing long-term management goals for bay scallops.

FMPs include information on the nature and concerns of the fishery, habitat and water quality issues, and status of the stock. The goal of the FMP will be to develop management options for the stocks to address issues and concerns. Options may include restrictions on gear, harvest, and when and where bay scalloping can occur. The FMP will be prepared by the Division of Marine Fisheries.

Individuals interested in serving as advisors should be willing to attend meetings at least once every two months and actively participate in the committee process. Advisors will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in relation to their official duties.

Advisor applications are available at Division of Marine Fisheries' offices or by calling 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632. The advisory committee is scheduled to begin meeting in October. Applications should be returned by September 9, 2005 to the Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, Attention: Jess Hawkins.

For information about bay scallops and the advisory committee process, please contact Tina Moore by e-mail at tina.moore@ncmail.net or Trish Murphey by e-mail at trish.murphey@nc.mail.net or by calling 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632.